Mar 25, 2025

"How Long? Not long..." 60 Years Ago Today at The Alabama Capitol


 Partial Video of the speech is HERE.

  I know you are asking today, “How long will it take?” (Speak, sir) Somebody’s asking, “How long will prejudice blind the visions of men, darken their understanding, and drive bright-eyed wisdom from her sacred throne?” Somebody’s asking, “When will wounded justice, lying prostrate on the streets of Selma and Birmingham and communities all over the South, be lifted from this dust of shame to reign supreme among the children of men?” Somebody’s asking, “When will the radiant star of hope be plunged against the nocturnal bosom of this lonely night, (Speak, speak, speak) plucked from weary souls with chains of fear and the manacles of death? How long will justice be crucified, (Speak) and truth bear it?” (Yes, sir)

[36] I come to say to you this afternoon, however difficult the moment, (Yes, sir) however frustrating the hour, it will not be long, (No sir) because “truth crushed to earth will rise again.” (Yes, sir)

[37] How long? Not long, (Yes, sir) because “no lie can live forever.” (Yes, sir)

[38] How long? Not long, (All right. How long) because “you shall reap what you sow.” (Yes, sir)

[39] How long? (How long?) Not long: (Not long)

Truth forever on the scaffold, (Speak)

Wrong forever on the throne, (Yes, sir)

Yet that scaffold sways the future, (Yes, sir)

And, behind the dim unknown,

Standeth God within the shadow,

Keeping watch above his own.

[40] How long? Not long, because the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice. (Yes, sir)

[41] How long? Not long, (Not long) because:

Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord; (Yes, sir)

He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored; (Yes)

He has loosed the fateful lightning of his terrible swift sword; (Yes, sir)

His truth is marching on. (Yes, sir)

He has sounded forth the trumpet that shall never call retreat; (Speak, sir)

He is sifting out the hearts of men before His judgment seat. (That’s right)

O, be swift, my soul, to answer Him! Be jubilant my feet!

Our God is marching on. (Yeah)

Glory, hallelujah! (Yes, sir) Glory, hallelujah! (All right)

Glory, hallelujah! Glory, hallelujah!

[42] His truth is marching on. [Applause]

(More info HERE)

https://cdn.britannica.com/67/95667-050-2323810D/Martin-Luther-King-Jr-speech-How-Long-March-25-1965.jpg

Mar 24, 2025

Rebirth of The Capri Theatre Sign

 From a Montgomery Advertiser story:

 

(While work was underway this year)
"When the new marquee finally lights up Thursday, April 3 at the Capri Theatre, it'll be a sight many in Montgomery — at least those here prior to 1962 — never thought they'd see again.

"We haven't flipped the switch yet, so we haven't seen what it actually looks like at night," said Capri director Martin McCaffery. He's never seen the Clover lights either, since McCaffery has only been with the theater for 40 years.

 

The marquee lights will turn on sometime between 6:45 and 7 p.m. on April 3rd.

With it's tower, clover logo, dual signs and new standing "CAPRI" letters, the new marquee already stands out in daylight hours at 1045 E. Fairview Ave. The design is remarkably similar to one that was in place for just over 20 years, from when the theater first opened as the Clover Theatre in 1941... "

FULL Advertiser Story is HERE.

April 10th Event!!!

 


14th Annual Robert and Jean Graetz Symposium on Human Rights and Reconciliation!


Dear Friends of the Robert S. and Jean E. Graetz Foundation,


We have exciting news to share! After a 6-year hiatus, we are delighted to announce that the annual Robert and Jean Graetz Symposium on Human Rights and Reconciliation is back! Please mark your calendars for April 10, 2025, 9:00 AM-4:00 PM.


The first annual Graetz Symposium was convened in the spring of 2007, in partnership with the National Center for the Study of African American History and Culture at Alabama State University (ASU). It was established on the campus of ASU in honor of long-time human rights activists, Rev. Robert and Mrs. Jean Graetz, because of their tireless efforts to advance the cause of human rights in Montgomery and around the world. The symposium is designed to stimulate action-oriented citizens to work toward reconciliation while examining factors that divide ethnic and other groups. Its focus is Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s dream of a “Beloved Community.”


The Graetz Symposium featured luminaries from all over the world discussing vital human rights issues and ran from 2007 until 2019, when the COVID-19 pandemic, followed by the passing of Bob and Jeannie, prevented it from continuing. On April 10, 2025, the Robert S. and Jean E. Graetz Foundation in partnership with the National Center for the Study of African American History and Culture at ASU will reconvene the Graetz Symposium, commemorating the 70th Anniversary of The Montgomery Bus Boycott and the 60th Anniversaries of the Selma March and the Voting Rights Act and continuing the dialogue around human rights, reconciliation, and striving toward the actualization of the Beloved Community. The Theme of the 2025 Graetz Symposium is “Building the Beloved Community: From Walking to Marching to Healing and Thriving.” 


Highlights of the 14th Annual Graetz Symposium!

Inaugural Annual Awards from Graetz Foundation

  • Robert S. and Jean E. Graetz Lifetime Service Award being presented to legendary Civil Rights Attorney Fred Gray

  • Claudette Colvin Activism Award being presented to a local High School student, Jeremiah Treece, who, like Claudette Colvin, single-handedly stood up for justice and took on City Hall to remove the racist, confederate iconography on his city’s flag

  • Graetz Foundation Beloved Community Service Awards being presented to four outstanding leaders who have made significant contributions toward building the Beloved Community in Montgomery and beyond:  Valerie Smedley; Laurie Weil; and Randall Williams and Suzanne La Rosa

Dynamic Keynote Speaker

  • Welcoming Emmy award-winning CNN Correspondent Nick Valencia, who will be sharing his life story and insights from his coverage of the groundswell of community solidarity around the world following the George Floyd murder

  • Presentation of Beloved Community Media Award to Nick Valencia

Interactive Event

  • Engaging the action-oriented audience: conversations not just lectures 

  • Intergenerational: with a focus on young people, as we know the legacy of Dr. King, the Graetzes, the walkers of Montgomery, and the marchers of Selma will be carried on through the determination and vision of our young people

  • Focus on action: steps each of us can take individually and collectively to further the Beloved Community


We want you!!! Here’s how you can help:

  • Join us on April 10 in Montgomery, Alabama for the Symposium! Registration form coming soon

  • Help spread the word!

  • Click here to make a financial contribution of any size to help with operating expenses. Bob and Jeannie always made sure there was never a cost to attend the symposium and luncheon, to make sure it was accessible for everyone

  • Send your ​positive thoughts, prayers, and encouragement to help build collective energy for an enlightening, powerful, and revitalizing event!

We know Bob and Jeannie would be thrilled to know the symposium that was so near and dear to their hearts is back! We look forward to hopefully seeing many of you in Montgomery on April 10! 


In the words of Bob Graetz that he wrote in every book he signed, "Let us work together to keep the dream alive."


In solidarity,

Meta and the Graetz Foundation Team


Meta Ellis, Chairperson

Robert S. and Jean E. Graetz Foundation

www.graetzfoundation.org

Mar 23, 2025

Middle Class in Alabama?

 


A six-figure household income doesn’t necessarily make you rich — in many cases, it just means you’re middle class.

The upper bound of what’s considered middle class for households exceeds $100,000 in every U.S. state, according to a SmartAsset analysis of 2023 income data, the most recent available from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The report, which crunched the numbers for all 50 states, is based on Pew Research’s definition of middle class: two-thirds to double the median household income.

Alabama

Low end of middle class: $41,471

High end of middle class: $124,424

Median household income: $62,212

(Source: AOL.COM)

Can You Imagine?

 There was a time when you could RENT a radio?

 Vintage radio rental shop with two boys talking to a man, showcasing historical elements of the past.

Alabama is 5th in cost of raising a child

 #5 Alabama

  • Annual cost of a child: $18,653
  • Food: $1,897
  • Childcare: $8,078
  • Medical costs: $1,889
  • Additional housing: $2,203
  • Transportation: $3,161
  • Other necessities: $1,426

See full list of states ranked from highest to lowest HERE.

Mar 21, 2025

Top Issue?

 I'm sure this in near the top of the list of issues Alabama residents are concerned about:

Female crash test dummies would be used in determining vehicle safety under a bipartisan bill sponsored by Alabama’s junior senator aimed at modernizing standards.

U.S. Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala., is the co-author of the She Develops Regulations In Vehicle Equality and Safety (She DRIVES) Act, which is being considered by the Senate after the Commerce Committee voted unanimously to advance the bill.

THANKS SO MUCH Senator.

 

68 Bridges in The U.S. Earmarked

 The NTSB names the bridges as in need of safety assessments...but none of them are in Alabama. (though there are many many bridges in the State):

(The state of Alabama has approximately 16,001 highway bridges. The Alabama Department of Transportation owns 5,762. Local agencies own 10,170 and the remaining 63 bridges are owned by other agencies or private entities.)

Among those listed on the national list is The Brooklyn Bridge!

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ntsb-recommends-68-bridges-in-u-s-be-evaluated-for-risk-of-collapse-see-the-full-list/

Alabama: 9th Highest state home ownership rate

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

Which State Has the Highest Home Ownership Rate?

Below, we show home ownership rates by state in 2023. (Source: https://www.visualcapitalist.com/cp/mapped-homeownership-rates-by-u-s-state/

Mar 19, 2025

Back To The future


From The Washington Post

By

"Sacrifices are what make us a nation instead of 340 million selfish hunter-gatherers. Each of us gives up some personal freedoms so we all stay alive. Opposing lifesaving mandates is childish libertarian nonsense."

Sadly, our top health official---(Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.) is a childish libertarian.

 

Full story is HERE.

Know ANY owners of a Chihuahua???? Aparently Alabama's most popular breed!

ezgif-7-1a29f428a2.jpg

Which states are the most obsessed with Chihuahuas? You'd be surprised. / Courtesy of U.S. News & World Report

 

Mar 17, 2025

9-11 remembered

 A photo shared online authentically shows a view of New York City from space shortly after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. (NASA)

Silenced Voice

Voice of America | Logopedia | Fandom 

(From The NY Times:)

"Hours after President Trump signed an executive order on Friday calling for the dismantling of the federal agency that oversees Voice of America, hundreds of journalists, executives and other employees at the organization’s headquarters in Washington were informed that they were being put on paid leave. Employees said they quickly lost access to their work email and other communications programs.

....He tapped a right-wing former TV news anchor, Kari Lake, to run Voice of America. Even before she arrived, the broadcaster began discouraging its journalists from saying or writing things that could be construed as critical of Mr. Trump — part of an attempt that its leaders hoped would help fend off attacks by the president.

The White House on Saturday issued a news release denouncing what it said was the broadcaster’s role in spreading “radical propaganda” and accusing its employees of entrenched left-wing bias. It is the same critique that Mr. Trump and his allies routinely make about the traditional media."

Mar 16, 2025

Best Retirement States


 

Florida is #1.

Alabama is ranked as 37th best.

 

Wallethub has the data:

 

 

Best & Worst States to Retire

Overall Rank State Total Score Affordability Rank Quality of Life Rank Health Care Rank
1Florida62.762227
2Minnesota62.742761
3Colorado61.7115183
4Wyoming60.791338
5South Dakota60.7618194
6Pennsylvania60.442259
7New Hampshire58.6423814
8Delaware58.6243518
9North Dakota58.45143013
10Wisconsin57.75172021
11Virginia57.08211419
12North Carolina56.7271636
13Missouri56.44133132
14Alaska56.23163715
15Maine55.8333120
16Iowa55.5228929
17Vermont55.0437710
18Utah54.80252225
19Ohio54.17261234
20South Carolina53.4583839
21California53.3839245
22Montana53.17351116
23Massachusetts53.064942
24Idaho53.04292630
25Michigan52.69321331
26Texas52.37203435
27Nebraska51.8543218
28Nevada51.5354243
29Connecticut51.5245176
30Arizona51.41342923
31Kansas50.85302837
32Georgia50.24193940
33Oklahoma50.04104742
34Illinois49.66411528
35New York49.58471011
36Maryland49.54442517
37Alabama48.9334349
38Tennessee48.5864846
39Oregon48.33423226
40Indiana48.29313341
41Hawaii47.7550277
42Arkansas47.70124944
43West Virginia47.48114450
44Rhode Island47.02404022
45New Jersey46.36463612
46New Mexico45.99384533
47Washington45.81482324
48Mississippi45.3395047
49Louisiana44.54244648
50Kentucky42.46364145

 

Watching TV is GOOD for you?

 Previous research on the matter is mixed, but some studies found that eye movement can improve memory. Perhaps that explains why we found that people who watch more TV and read more have better memory and less dementia risk than those who do not.

While watching TV or reading, our eyes flick back and forth over the page and TV screen.

However, people who read often also tend to have been in education longer. Having had good education provides brain reserve capacity so that when connections in the brain are damaged, the negative result is less.

Pre-Storm Skies


 

"Pulse" nightclub name

I am sure the use of the name "Pulse" for nightclubs is now over.

First The Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida, was the site of a devastating mass shooting on June 12, 2016, resulting in 49 deaths and 53 injuries. 

And now another event at another Pulse Club today has left at least 59 people dead:

"At least 59 people have been killed and more than 150 injured in a devastating fire at a packed nightclub in Kocani in North Macedonia, according to Interior Minister Panche Toshkovski.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs announced that arrest warrants have been issued for four individuals in connection with the fire."

Mar 15, 2025

Tubby-ville

 


“The woke mind virus has struck again,” Tuberville said.

(The Republican former coach and now Alabama U.S. Senator's comment came as he attacked Democrats, naturally.)

Full story HERE.

Remember: you get what you vote for.

Mar 14, 2025

Weather

 


There is a risk for severe storms from Friday at 7AM until Saturday at 7AM.  An area from Marengo and Perry counties westward are in an enhanced (level 3 out of 5) risk for severe weather. A band from Wilcox through Dallas, Lowndes, Autauga and Chilton counties is in a slight (level 2 out of 5) risk for severe weather. A third area that includes Butler, Montgomery, Elmore and Tallapoosa counties is in a marginal (level 1 out of 5) risk.

Spc Day 1 Outlook Adi

During this round, there is a risk of tornadoes as well as 60MPH winds and hail up to a quarter size.

CODE RED: Action 8 Chief Meteorologist Shane Butler has issued a CODE RED for the potentially more potent round of storms which are expected to last from 7AM on Saturday until 7AM Sunday. Much of the Action 8 viewing area is in a moderate (level 4 out of 5) risk for severe storms, including Montgomery, Prattville, Millbrook, Selma and Greenville. The rest of the area, including Auburn and Troy, is in an enhanced (level 3 out of 5) risk. Tornadoes — some strong — are possible, as well as 70MPH winds and golf ball-size hail.

A CODE RED means that there is a significant risk to public safety and to property because of dangerous weather conditions.

You will need to have a constant, reliable way to get weather alerts from noon Saturday through the overnight hours on Sunday. There are a lot of weekend events in the area on Saturday, including the SLE Rodeo at Garrett Coliseum. Don’t rely on outdoor sirens.

Spc Day 4 Outlook Adix


America, Changed

 

It Isn’t Just Trump. America’s Whole Reputation Is Shot.

the Chinese have many advantages, but until recently America had the decisive one — we had more friends around the world. Unfortunately, over the last month and a half, America has smashed a lot of those relationships to smithereens.

President Trump does not seem to notice or care that if you betray people, or jerk them around, they will revile you. Over the last few weeks, the Europeans have gone from shock to bewilderment to revulsion. This period was for them what 9/11 was for us — the stripping away of illusions, the exposure of an existential threat. The Europeans have realized that America, the nation they thought was their friend, is actually a rogue superpower.

Mar 13, 2025

I pray this bill fails

 From HB231


 

This bill would propose an amendment to the
Constitution of Alabama of 2022, relating to public
K-12 schools, to require each local board of education to adopt a policy requiring that The Pledge of Allegiance be conducted to the United States flag and a prayer consistent with Judeo-Christian values be conducted at the commencement of each school day in each public K-12 school.

tRump: Eliminate birthright citizenship.

Trump’s Birthright Citizenship Order Reaches the Supreme Court

Trump administration lawyers asked the justices to limit the sweep of decisions by three lower courts that had issued nationwide pauses on the policy.

NY Times: 

 "Birthright citizenship has long been considered a foundational principle of the United States. The 14th Amendment, ratified after the Civil War, states that “all persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof” are Americans. In the landmark 1898 case of United States v. Wong Kim Ark, the Supreme Court affirmed the guarantee of automatic citizenship for nearly all children born in the country. Since then, courts have upheld that expansive understanding of birthright citizenship."

United States Supreme Court Building - Wikipedia

Saturday Weather

 

Valid 151200Z - 161200Z

   ...THERE IS A MODERATE RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS OVER PORTIONS OF
   SOUTHEAST LOUISIANA INTO SOUTHERN AND CENTRAL MS/AL...

   ...SUMMARY...
   A severe weather outbreak is expected on Saturday from the central
   Gulf coast states/Deep South into the Ohio Valley. Significant
   tornadoes (focused across the South), swaths of damaging gusts, and
   hail are expected.